What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Outline
- Introduction
- Why Electric Cars Have Lower Maintenance Needs
- What Regular Maintenance Does an EV Still Need?
- Comparing Maintenance Costs: EVs vs Petrol Cars
- Potential Repairs Unique to Electric Vehicles
- Battery Health: Should You Worry?
- The Hidden Maintenance Benefits of EVs
- When EV Maintenance Can Become Expensive
- Real-World Examples of EV Maintenance Costs
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
One of the biggest selling points of electric vehicles (EVs) is the claim that they are cheaper to maintain than petrol or diesel cars.
But is that really true?
In this guide, we’ll take an honest look at EV maintenance, exploring where you save money, where you might not, and what you need to know to keep your electric car running smoothly for years to come.
Why Electric Cars Have Lower Maintenance Needs
Electric vehicles are mechanically simpler than traditional cars.
They don’t have:
- Engines
- Gearboxes
- Clutches
- Exhaust systems
- Fuel pumps
- Spark plugs
Fewer moving parts means less to go wrong—and less that needs regular servicing.
In fact, an EV has around 20 moving parts in its drivetrain, compared to over 2,000 in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle!
What Regular Maintenance Does an EV Still Need?
While EVs need less upkeep, they aren’t completely maintenance-free.
Here’s what still needs attention:
- Tyre rotation and replacement: EVs are heavier than ICE cars, so tyres may wear slightly faster.
- Brake checks: Although regenerative braking reduces brake wear, pads and discs still need inspection.
- Battery cooling system: Needs monitoring to ensure the battery stays at optimal temperature.
- Cabin air filters: Must be replaced periodically (usually once a year).
- Software updates: Critical for performance and safety improvements.
- Suspension components: Still subject to normal wear and tear.
Tip: Always follow the service schedule recommended by your EV manufacturer.
Comparing Maintenance Costs: EVs vs Petrol Cars
Typical petrol/diesel car maintenance:
- Oil and filter changes (every 10,000–15,000 km)
- Spark plug replacements
- Timing belt replacements
- Fuel system servicing
- Exhaust system repairs
Typical EV maintenance:
- Tyre checks
- Brake system inspections
- Fluid top-ups (coolant, brake fluid)
- Software updates
Result:
On average, EVs cost 30–50% less to maintain over their lifespan compared to petrol vehicles.
Potential Repairs Unique to Electric Vehicles
Although rare, there are a few repairs unique to EVs:
Battery issues
- Modern EV batteries are reliable but can be expensive to repair or replace if something goes wrong outside warranty.
Motor issues
- Electric motors are very durable but may require servicing after many years or high mileage.
Charging system repairs
- Onboard chargers, connectors, and charging ports need occasional inspection.
Good news: Most EV-specific components are extremely durable—and covered under long warranties (often 8 years).
Battery Health: Should You Worry?
Battery degradation is natural over time, but it’s slower and less scary than many people think.
Key facts:
- Most EV batteries lose about 1–2% of capacity per year.
- After 8 years, you may still retain 70–80% of the original range.
- Most manufacturers guarantee batteries for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.
Charging habits (e.g., avoiding frequent 100% fast-charging) can help preserve battery life even longer.
The Hidden Maintenance Benefits of EVs
There are a few maintenance advantages you might not expect:
- Regenerative braking drastically reduces brake wear.
- No emissions testing needed.
- No oil leaks or fuel spills.
- Simpler MOTs/roadworthiness tests (in countries where applicable).
- Remote diagnostics via software updates or apps often catch small issues before they become big ones.
In other words: less time at the garage, less money spent.
When EV Maintenance Can Become Expensive
While EV maintenance is generally cheaper, some scenarios can lead to higher costs:
- Battery replacement outside warranty: Still expensive today (£4,000–£8,000), though prices are dropping.
- Bodywork repairs: Some EVs have aluminium bodies (e.g., Tesla) that cost more to repair after accidents.
- Out-of-warranty electronics repairs: Sensors and advanced driver-assistance systems can be pricey to fix.
However, these issues are uncommon during the first 5–8 years of ownership.
Real-World Examples of EV Maintenance Costs
Let’s compare two typical cars over 5 years:
| Nissan Leaf (EV) | Ford Focus (Petrol) | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual service cost | £150–£250 | £300–£450 |
| Oil changes | Not needed | 1–2 per year (£100 each) |
| Brake replacements | Less frequent | More frequent |
| Fuel cost (5 years) | ~£1,500 (charging) | ~£6,500 (petrol) |
| Battery replacement | Unlikely | Not applicable |
Savings with EV ownership:
Over £5,000–£7,000 in five years, depending on your driving habits!
Final Thoughts
Yes—EVs are genuinely cheaper to maintain than petrol or diesel cars in most cases.
With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, less brake wear, and lower fuel costs, the day-to-day cost of running an EV is significantly lower.
And with battery technology improving each year, the future is only getting brighter.
Because when it comes to saving money (and the planet), sometimes less really is more.
